What are the Student Visa requirements in NZ?

What are the Student Visa requirements in NZ?

Anyone looking to study in New Zealand for longer than three months is required to apply for a student visa. This entitles international students to reside and work up to 20 hours per week in the country for the duration of their studies. The length of the visa is limited by the course of study that you have paid for, at which point it will need to be renewed.

Successfully applying for a visa is a complex bureaucratic process that leaves a lot of room for confusion—especially when the applicant is under a time constraint. Located in Napier, we provide international students in the Hawke’s Bay area with the legal support they need to ensure that their visa applications are in order, so they can focus on their studies. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Get an offer to study

Before you can begin the application process, you’ll need an unconditional offer to study from an accredited education provider in New Zealand. This limits the amount of time you’ll have to get your visa before the start of your courses. You should submit your application at least 6 weeks before you plan to travel to New Zealand, though most applications are processed within 20-25 days. If there is an issue with the application, you may be asked to provide additional documents, which can extend the process.

Collect the necessary documents

In order to apply, you’ll need to provide a number of documents to verify your identity, health, good character, and financial independence. Specifically, these include the following…

• A passport valid for 3 months after the date that you plan to leave New Zealand
• Two passport photos meeting New Zealand’s passport photo requirements
• A certificate issued by the police in your home country to verify that you are of good character i.e. the lack of a significant criminal record
• Proof that you have purchased travel insurance
• A copy of your flight ticket home, or proof that you can afford to purchase one
• If you are under 18 years of age, a guarantee of accommodation for the duration of study
• If you are applying to stay for more than 12 months, a general medical certificate, verifying that you are in good health
• Completed Student Visa Application Form (INZ 1012)
• Proof that you’ve paid the application fee.

The application process will include a personal interview, during which you may be asked to provide additional documents, such as transcripts, diplomas, or test scores. Keep in mind that, depending on the applicant’s country of origin, properly translated copies of non-English documents may need to be submitted alongside the originals.

Provide proof of financial fitness

While international students are allowed to work limited hours while studying in New Zealand, they’re also required to show that they’ll be financially independent during their stay. To do this, they’ll need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves in addition to the funds needed to pay fees. To cover living expenses, the applicant needs to have at least $15,000 NZD per year. Both living expenses and tuition fees may be covered using student loans, scholarships, or government support if a bank statement isn’t sufficient.

Applying for a visa is a stressful process, and one that few people do often enough to avoid mistakes. To make sure your application process goes smoothly, it’s a good idea to take advantage of expert legal help. Our immigration experts are standing by to give you the support you need.

Reach out to us by phone at 06 561 0837, or use our online contact form.